Author Archives: Science Media Centre
expert reaction to new modelling paper looking at bovine TB spread and control
A paper in Nature used models to separate out the different factors contributing to the bovine TB problem, to establish the routes of transmission of different outbreaks, and to predict which of the factors would be best to address in attempt to more effectively control the spread and incidence of this disease. read more
bovine TB – a model of spread and control
Bovine tuberculosis costs the UK about £100 million per year, and despite efforts to control it, it remains a major agricultural problem. A new paper published in Nature uses models to separate out the different factors contributing to the bovine TB problem, to establish the routes of transmission of different outbreaks, and to predict which of the factors would be best to address in attempt to more effectively control the spread and incidence of this disease. read more
expert reaction to the announcement that Nature has retracted STAP cell papers
It was announced that Nature had formally retracted the article and letter on STAP cells by Obakata et al. after an in depth investigation into critical errors by the RIKEN Institute. read more
the science of statins
The row over the BMJ claims about side effects of statins and the angry response from some to NICE’s proposal to extend the drugs to people with a lower risk has led one columnist to refer to ‘The Statin Wars’. In the middle of this dispute lie the public and patients, confused about where the evidence actually lies. read more
pre–ESHRE preview press briefing
Leading fertility experts came to the SMC for a preview of the main studies being presented at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) annual meeting, taking place in Munich, Germany from 29th June to 2nd July. read more
the science side of the story
I’m not sure why now, but after 10 years of running weekly briefings on controversial science stories we have recently … read more
expert reaction to report on Carbohydrates and Health from the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN), and PHE’s proposals to reduce sugar intake
The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) launched its draft report on Carbohydrates and Health for public consultation, recommending people to consume more fibre and less free sugars. Public Health England (PHE) simultaneously released a document on how to reduce the nation’s sugar intake. read more
sugar and health – what does the evidence say?
Sugar has recently been branded as ‘toxic’, ‘addictive’ and ‘the new tobacco’. Campaigners have suggested that sugary drinks should come with obesity warnings and that a tax on sugar might be beneficial to consumers. But what does the evidence say? read more
expert reaction to republication of Séralini study on Roundup-tolerant GM maize
Environmental Sciences Europe re-published a study retracted from Food and Chemical Toxicology by Gilles-Eric Séralini which purported to show rats fed the herbicide Roundup and Roundup-tolerant GM maize developed cancerous tumours. read more
expert reaction to model of emergence of avian flu in bird populations
A study in PNAS reported an alternative model for the emergence of new strains of bird flu, looking at the immunity of bird populations rather than the ability of viruses to acquire the necessary mutations. read more
expert reaction to autism and pesticides
A study in Environmental Health Perspectives reported pregnant women living near farms that apply pesticides had an increased risk of having a child with autism spectrum disorder. read more
expert reaction to study on UV addiction in mice
A study published in the journal Cell reported that rats released endorphins when chronically exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, leading to physical dependence, tolerance, and addiction-like behaviour. read more
expert reaction to two papers on antibiotic-resistant bacteria
Two papers published in Nature reported discovery of an ‘Achilles’ heel’ in defensive barrier which surrounds drug-resistant bacterial cells. read more
expert reaction to study of media coverage of antidepressants and suicide
A study published in the BMJ claimed that media coverage of safety warnings about suicide risk from antidepressant use affected people’s behaviour and coincided with simultaneous increases in suicide attempts among young people. read more
expert reaction to paper and editorial on breast cancer screening and mortality
A study published in the BMJ reported that inviting women for mammography screening may reduce breast cancer deaths by up to 28%. An accompanying editorial highlighted the need for greater patient understanding of possible harms, as well as benefits, of mammograms. read more
expert reaction to WHO statement on the Sixth Meeting of the IHR Emergency Committee concerning MERS-CoV
The World Health Organisation (WHO) released a statement following the Sixth Meeting of the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee about the ongoing situation with MERS-CoV in the Middle East read more
expert reaction to case of Legionnaires’ disease in a baby born in a specific type of birthing pool
Public Health England reported a case of Legionnaires’ disease in a baby that had been born in a specific type of home birthing pool, with built-in heaters and recirculation pumps, potentially filled up to two weeks in advance of the birth read more
expert reaction to Prof Colin Blakemore being made a Knight Bachelor in the Queen’s Birthday Honours
It was announced that Professor Colin Blakemore had been awarded a knighthood in the Queen’s Birthday Honours. read more
expert reaction to EU ruling on GM crops
EU environment ministers came to a deal to allow nation stated to authorize growing of genetically modified crops, pending approval by the European Parliament. read more
expert reaction to pandemic potential of circulating influenza viruses
A study published in Cell Host & Microbe shows that circulating bird flu viruses are very similar to the flu virus that caused the 1918 pandemic—the most devastating disease outbreak ever recorded. read more